Roberts adds it’s a parent or guardian’s responsibility to validate any emotions the child is expressing, and this can range from anger to sadness to confusion.

“There is no right or wrong way to react to a situation like this.”

WATCH: 10 dead, 16 injured in Toronto van attack

According to a statement by the Toronto District School Board to Global News, support will be available to students and staff at Earl Haig Secondary School, which is located near the scene of Monday’s attack.

The school also confirmed they’re not aware of any students being injured in the attack.

“First, we want to extend our thoughts and condolences to all of those impacted by yesterday’s events on Yonge Street. At the TDSB, we have provided principals with resources that can be helpful in a school setting to engage students and staff who have questions or need to share their emotions or thoughts about this tragedy,” a statement said.

Asking questions

“Make sure they know it is OK to ask questions. Answer their questions in a ‘just enough’ way. Do not speculate in any way, stick to the facts that are known. Sometimes, kids ask the same question over and over. This is OK. Be patient. It is their way of processing the information.”

Sometimes parents will get asked, “why do bad things happen?” If this is the case, it’s OK to admit you don’t know the answer to this question.

“I find it helpful to respond with something like, ‘There are both good people and bad people in the world. I believe that there are thousands times more good people than bad.'”

“Their perception of the event is going to vary from child to child, even in the same family. Maintain your composure and listen to the child,” she tells Global News. “Be mindful of the language you are using … you don’t want to further scare or traumatize the child.”

Millman says if your child is asking questions about the suspect in particular, it is important to remind them this was an individual attack, and the suspect is now with police.

“It’s important bad things do sometimes happen and it does not mean all people are bad, and certainly not all men who are 25,” she continues. “It doesn’t cross any culture or colour barrier or means it is going to happen again.”

Moving forward

Children also need guidance on how to identify helpers, Roberts adds, and this is when parents can talk about first responders and health-care workers.

“Show children all the good people helping right now.”

Millman says some children may not bring up the topic at all, and if this is the case, parents should let their child know they are available whenever they are ready to talk.

“Everyone processes trauma and grief differently, if your child isn’t bringing it up, it doesn’t mean they don’t want to talk about it … it is their process of sorting.”

“And, how our amazing police officers are doing everything they can to keep our communities safe and secure. Maybe even send a thank you note or a tweet to your local police department to say ‘thank you!'”